LDN Blue

Yea, I understand where you're coming from, don't worry. The longer this goes on though, the more negative this forum is going to look... This poll needs to be decided asap.

Was Benteke always first choice for Belgium or did he force Lukaku out?

Couldn't agree more. With Martinez especially, I really don't see any progress for Romelu with Everton this term, this really isn't the best option for him. He should've stayed with Chelsea & we should've sold Ba.

Well I don't think this is too much of a surprise is it? It's been documented that Eto'o hasn't been happy with Cameroon's football association for a long-while now. It's always been a political battle between Eto'o and the federation, so I equally wouldn't be surprised if he didn't end this 'retirement' in the next 12-months (especially if they make the World Cup)

Yeah but he's still a football player with an ambition to play for Spain but also be playing regularly for a club with title ambitions, not just being a bit-part player for that kind of club.

Yea I'm not debating the issue of what happened, I'm just saying that this kind of issue will occur with any forms of extra recognition.

The thing is, we can keep saying this is made-up media b/s and whatnot but to what extent does that go to before you come to the conclusion 'there's no smoke without fire'? Mourinho can manipulate anyone in the way he wants. Media, players, fans. He's extremely good at it, but he's also been always known to be blunt and straight forward about some issues. The fact is, yes he's made statements about Mata being important to the team.. But he hasn't really shown it, has he? Yea, we can keep using this whole defense about how tired Mata is but I mean he was an unused sub against Bayern Munich in the Supercup Final & Manchester United. If it was to be believed that he's only being left out because of this supposed fatigue then you get why he missed the Villa and Hull games and most of pre-season. But if he's missing out on the big games NOW, when Mourinho is supposedly molding his team that is a big signal about what's to come.

If anyone here remembers, we had this same controversy with the Legends tag. It happens with any forms of 'recognition' on this forum. Even if we go rid of MOTM, people would start going on about their "reputation" count. If you get rid of that, people bang on about "Posts" count. Finally, once that goes, you get excited about "Joined" date.. Shit happens.

Can't believe this has become an issue.. In any case, I think how it is is fine to be honest. Why someone who's won it before shouldn't be eligible is beyond me, it shows they've continued to shine and that's nothing to be mad about. I mean it's not like they become President of TC Good luck with this one Mod team

I don't really know if Willian is compared to Moses.. We'll find out I guess!

I'm confused as to why they want him.. He's not a player they generally need and they don't play a system where his skills would be enhanced & exposed. But whatever, he won't get as many games here and they're gonna pay us for it too lmao.

I don't want Oscar sitting in the CM position. I strongly believe he's a much better number 10 than anyone else in our squad and I really wish he'd get a decent run of games to show that. His intellect, awareness and footwork is impressive for someone who looks so nervous every time I see him play He's shown with Brazil that he can operate behind the strikers and give MotM winning displays.

Arsenal are embarrassing. Jesus. Celebrating again like they've won the CL by beating Spurs?! The worst thing is, they don't realise that it's as good as it gets for them. Whereas Spurs are a team in transition and still in a better position to get 4th, Arsenal fans have once again been appeased by Wenger into believing they're still a strong team. I had praising Tottenham, but as it stands I think they're going to kick Arsenal's ass come the end of the season & I'm gonna LOVE IT when they do.

Sky Italy aren't to be trusted, it's worth noting.

You mean when we were linked to him..?

I really don't believe that to be honest. Of course he's going to say that, because he's just signed for us.. But every players proclaims how much they follow us and all this. He'd have said the same if United, City or Tottenham had signed him.

Nope, he's not in the squad.

I can only pray that Lukaku looks at this as competition that he can gain from and not another "well, here's another higher earner that'll play more than I will". The deal, on paper, looks fantastic.. Free transfer, only a one year contract [albeit, no word on wages as of yet]. Mourinho sent a message to Roman on Monday (which I think is the reason for Eto'o signing) when he played without a striker and brought on Torres to show how bad we are. That message could have also been wrongly conveyed to Lukaku too. Let's hope he'll get more than his fair chance though.

I'm glad people understand the case for 'It's not the end of the world if he leaves'. No-one's really saying "sell him, sell him", but if he was sold then you can understand the reasoning for it. I don't actually thinks he does, because hopefully Mata's going to take it on the stride, bide his time, and unleash his talent when Mourinho calls for him. Remember, these guys played over 60+ games last season. Mata played a significant portion more, so if we now have similar players to allow him that rest - Then there should be no complaints for him or us alike. If Mata doesn't respond well, then he will leave Chelsea with grace and we'll fully understand. Even if it is to Arsenal or Man United. Shit happens people, but the club still stands above everyone.

It's nothing like that and you know it. I'm not denying Mata's contribution over the last 2 seasons, no-one is in fact. But to say we rely on him as much as Spurs rely on Bale is folly. And as for this whole, he's a key player to our success.. Yeah he is. But that doesn't mean without him we're all f*cked. Successful teams don't rest on their laurels. If a player is the best in the squad for 2 seasons, that doesn't mean a] he'll be that for more b] he shouldn't have more competition.

But.. This is football. He's not your friend. None of this PR nonsense matters, John Terry's a cunt but does that mean we don't support him playing for the club? Nah. The club comes before everyone.

Sturridge was unlucky in this aspect. this was his game to really mark himself a future Chelsea #9, but as you recall he picked up an injury in training. That really was all she wrote for Chelsea & DS.

Skeptical about this supposed 'contract offer'. I mean Ferguson is still on the board at United, I don't see him sanctioning that one.

Yeah but.. That's football. I mean come on, Mourinho himself, regarding Rooney, said he would sell to a League rival to keep the league strong. So if we sign Rooney from United and sell Mata to a mediocre team like Arsenal, what does that matter?

Not to sound fickle here, but I think we're overexaggerating what would happen if Mata was sold.. I mean it's not like we're short of attacking midfield players now, are we?